The 2024 Democratic National Convention is behind us. As we head into November, here’s the scorecard.
Most Americans know how they will vote, so it all comes down to the few who are unsure who they will support or who are not sure who they will vote for. Future television ads and rally speeches will be targeted at independents, undecided voters, people with poor records of voting regularly, and Republicans who failed to vote for Donald Trump in the Republican primary.
But first, the Democrats had to energize their base, especially young minorities. Biden was a good president in every sense of the word. But young Democrats, minority Democrats, especially the far-left, wanted a Batman to go against the Joker, a hero to defeat the bad guys.
Biden once beat Trump, but his poor performance in the now-infamous June debate eroded Democratic confidence. Last week’s Democratic National Convention provided the antidote.
This was the best convention I have ever attended in my 40 years of attending Democratic and Republican conventions. No other convention can compare to it.
The Democratic Party roll call isDJ playing hard-hitting musicon stage –The rapper walks down the aisle to introduce the Georgia delegation— quickly became a convention theater classic.
ofChampionship soccer team takes to the stageThe event, celebrating vice presidential candidate coach Tim Walz, was the biggest moment in tournament history.
Another bright moment came when Harris drew loud applause as she addressed those who say the Biden-Harris administration is not doing enough to curb Israel’s military actions in Gaza.She and Biden“We are working to end this war so that Israel is safe, the hostages are free, and the suffering in Gaza ends…”
And Oprah Winfrey was a celebrity guest at the convention.Return to ChicagoOprah, who she trusts, said she stands with Harris against the division and chaos of President Trump and looks to the future.
She told the crowd of female supporters that she was a registered independent who supports Harris.
This is at the heart of what strategists on both sides of the aisle are focusing on after their party conventions and before the Sept. 10 presidential debate.
Former President Obama emphasized the same theme. said His grandmother and mother-in-law, one white from rural Kansas and the other black from urban Chicago, were good people who cared about others and wanted nothing to do with gossip, bitterness or conflict. He also said that Trump’s “Fuss, clumsiness and confusion” has become outdated.
Another defining moment of this memorable convention was the presence of Republicans making the same point.
Mesa, Arizona Mayor John GilesIt was a powerful statement at the conference.“I call on other Arizona Republicans to choose country over party in this election and vote against Donald Trump… I want to send an urgent message to the vast majority of Americans who, like me, are politically moderate: The John McCain Republican Party is gone, and we owe nothing to what’s left.”
Another Republican who spoke at the convention, former Georgia lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, appeared on television and told GOP voters, “If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, it doesn’t make you a Democrat. It just means you’re a patriot and you’re doing your duty as an American to stand up for our country’s future.”
Duncan is a member of the group Republicans for Harris.Last month’s kickoff callMore than 70,000 people.
Perhaps the most notable Republican speaker at the convention was Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary to President Trump.She said Taking to the podium for the first time representing the Democratic Party, Harris said, “It’s because I love country more than party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people. I’m voting for her.”
Sean Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, He stood on stage wearing a T-shirt that read “Trump is a Scab” imagery is a counter attack to Republican accusations that Ms Harris is a dangerous leftist out of touch with Midwestern unionists.
The high television ratings for the convention speech indicate its potential influence among voters who have yet to make up their minds.
Frank Luntz, a longtime Republican pollster, highlighted Harris’ success in reaching people who have become disengaged from politics due to growing polarization.
“She’s bringing out people who are not going to vote for Trump or Biden,” he said. “So the whole Electoral College has changed.”
LantzsaidThis is good news for Democrats “who are running not only for president but also for the Senate and House of Representatives.”
On these issues, Harris is on a winning streak: Abortion continues to be an issue that women across the political spectrum care about; our economy is stable and among the best in the world; illegal border crossings are at their lowest this year.
Along with record fundraising, the good vibes and momentum are all leaning Democrats. It’s still too early to be confident, but coming out of the Windy City of Chicago, it’s pretty clear which way the wind is blowing.
Juan Williams is an author and political analyst for Fox News Channel.
